Bisonguy06 wrote:ndlionsfan wrote:Sniper wrote:A few things to consider when talking about a three class system and who is placed in the middle class:
3. One of the main reasons people want to keep the two class system is because of how big an event the class b state tournament has become.
I actually think the popularity of the state B tourney has gone down in the last 10 years
I agree with this. North Dakotans have been migrating from rural areas to larger towns since, what, World War II? With every year that goes by, a larger percentage of North Dakotans live in class A towns with children attending class A schools. The state's class B population has steadily declined for generations, with the energy boom slowing that trend now in some places. The 'B' represents a smaller slice of North Dakota's population than it used to.
Arguments can be made in favor of a 3 class plan, but one that I'm not buying is the argument that a 3 class system will re-energize the small school state tournament. You can't grow interest in that tournament by subtracting more schools from the equation. Class B used to have over 200 schools competing. It's now just a shade over 100. Trim the largest schools off the top via a 3 class plan, and the smallest schools that may inevitably close their doors, and class B's slice of the pie will be even smaller. You'll see more empty seats and less media coverage.
Isn't it great, by the way, that we have at least a few class B schools being added to the map again? Alexander will field volleyball and basketball programs next year. Nedrose and South Prairie are on the way as well.
The 'B' tournament is great, but it is not THE event that it used to be. And that's OK. It still serves the 'B' population quite well.
I am not so sure about the above bold. It may be true. However, by removing "some" of the power house regulars from various regions, other schools who have been beaten out on a regular basis over the years, may now break through. I guarantee they will bring a huge following if they do. Also, you may be correct on less media coverage, but the seasonal media coverage for class b has been on the decline for quite some time anyway. I am not a "ribbon" for every kid type of person, but I do believe in having a somewhat equal playing field and let them duke it out. Will be interesting to see how this plays out as the landscape rapidly changes across the state.